road safety

#MakeASafetyStatement

Pirelli supports the new UN Global Road Safety Campaign, presented in Milan at the Pirelli headquarters

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Milan recently hosted the launch of the UN Global Road Safety Campaign #MakeASafetyStatement, spearheaded by Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety. The event marked a significant milestone in the worldwide effort to improve road safety, as part of the UN's Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to halve the number of road-related fatalities by 2030. The campaign, launched in partnership with global outdoor advertising leader JCDecaux, will promote safe and sustainable road practices in over 80 countries and 1,000 cities, with Pirelli playing a central role in its Italian debut.

Road Safety: A Global Challenge

The launch of the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign is timely, following the recent adoption of a new UN resolution on road safety and ahead of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, in February 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.

Every year, 1.19 million lives are lost due to road-related accidents, with a disproportionate impact on developing nations, which account for over 90% of these fatalities. Road accidents are now the leading cause of death for young people aged 5–29 years, making road safety a pressing global issue. The campaign aims to address these alarming statistics by raising awareness of key safety measures such as wearing seat belts, helmets, and avoiding texting while driving.

Pirelli's Commitment to Road Safety

As a leader in the tyre industry, Pirelli is committed to promoting road safety and sustainable mobility.  In light of all this, it was natural for Pirelli, as early as 2018, to respond to Jean Todt's invitation and support the United Nations' work on road safety, firmly believing that technology and innovation can make a difference for safer mobility.

Addressing this problem requires a systemic approach. Today, Pirelli has advanced technological tools at our disposal that can make a difference, and in the future, these technologies will be even more effective. Autonomous driving, despite the challenges that still exist, represents an important step in reducing human error, the leading cause of accidents. ADAS, such as automatic braking, lane keeping, and fatigue detection, are already concrete tools that contribute to road safety. Investing in these technologies is essential to achieve concrete results in a short time.

For Pirelli, road safety and technology are fundamental values. Its historic slogan "Power is Nothing Without Control" is not just a successful phrase, but it represents our commitment to safe, environmentally friendly, efficient, and inclusive mobility. This commitment is reflected in the design of the tyres: in 2023, 98% of new products achieved the highest ratings (A/B) of the European label for wet braking, the main safety indicator in tyre production. Specifically, on the latest product generations, braking distances have been improved by an average of 6% under the most critical conditions, such as wet and snow. Pirelli is also pushing the boundaries of technology beyond the traditional tyre with Cyber™ Tyre, a concrete example of the effort to bring safety and performance to a completely new level.

The Company hosted a panel discussion as part of the campaign launch, bringing together key figures from the world of motorsport, infrastructure, and public policy. The panel included Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman of Pirelli; Matteo Salvini, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy; and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group.

A Call to Action

The #MakeASafetyStatement campaign serves as a powerful reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. Through the involvement of high-profile ambassadors, including F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher, football icon Didier Drogba, and actress Michelle Yeoh, the campaign aims to inspire individuals to adopt safer driving habits and respect all road users.

By supporting this campaign, Pirelli reinforces its dedication to road safety and sustainability, two pillars that are central to its corporate values. As the campaign rolls out across the world, Milan's role as the launchpad for Italy demonstrates the city's commitment to safer streets and a better future for all.